What is kts2?

kts2 is an interactive problem gambling awareness program that engages university and college students in a fun and informative way. The original program, Know the Score (KTS) was created and developed in 2001 with input from a number of college and universities.  Using feedback provided by students, campus contacts and other partners, Know the Score now called kts2 continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of post-secondary students.

What are the four kts2 messages?

• looks at the real chances of winning and losing,
• highlights signs of problem gambling,
• shares local problem gambling services, and
• suggests ways to keep gambling safer.

How do we share information with students?

kts2 features multi-faceted communications designed to attract students through social marketing and interactive activities.

Using a quiz tailored to one of the three module themes (Poker, Sports Betting, and Casino Gambling), students try to answer five questions designed to increase their awareness of the four program messages.  Students check their answers for accuracy via specially created online communications or with kts2 representatives if visiting an on-campus display.

Who developed kts2?

The program was developed in 2001 with input from a number of colleges and universities.  Since piloting the program in 2002, Know the Score has been delivered more than 360 times on campuses in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and New York State.

Does it work?

An independent evaluation has shown that:

• 89% felt they were better informed to make decisions regarding gambling
• 84% of students reported increased understanding of ways to keep gambling safer
• 91% retained key messages associated with the program, and
• 22% indicated that they had used the information they had learned